Chapter 197: Summer Travel
Hong Kong, alongside New York and London, formed the triumvirate of “Nylonkong,” the third-largest global financial center, a vital hub for international finance, trade, and shipping, a leader in innovation and technology, one of the world’s freest economies and most competitive cities, with a stellar reputation, ranked third among global first-tier cities by GaWC.
It was a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, a fusion of Chinese wisdom and Western social systems, renowned for its clean government, low crime rate, free economy, and robust legal system, earning it the monikers “Pearl of the Orient,” “Food Paradise,” and “Shopping Paradise.”
For this trip, Yu Linna had prepared her wallet, knowing that though she was unsure what to do in Hong Kong, it was a high-consumption area, far more expensive than Huainan Province.
She and the Huo family departed from Shenzhen, having exchanged their currency for Hong Kong dollars. The journey was convenient, a mere hour-long trip. Arriving in Hong Kong, Yu Linna breathed in the air, gazing at the towering skyscrapers, the bustling crowds, the atmosphere of a true international metropolis.
She didn’t know much about Hong Kong, other than the fact that the locals spoke Cantonese and it was a special administrative region. Her childhood knowledge of Hong Kong was limited to its history as a British colony. She had also seen many Hong Kong films on DVD, a popular genre on the mainland at the time, though its popularity had waned in recent years, overshadowed by the rise of mainland cinema.
“Miss, would you like to come in and have a look?”
As she walked down the street, she was accosted by vendors, their interest piqued by her blonde hair and mixed-race appearance.
Hong Kong, having been under British rule, still held a certain reverence for foreigners, and mixed-race individuals were particularly well-received.
“Sorry, I’m busy.” She replied in Cantonese, a language she knew but rarely spoke.
The local dialect was Cantonese, and few locals spoke fluent Mandarin. In the past century, there had been a prevalent discrimination against mainlanders, making it difficult for them to succeed in Hong Kong. A certain mainland celebrity, having been ostracized for their mainland identity, after achieving international fame, had refused to speak Cantonese in interviews, insisting on Mandarin, a subtle yet powerful statement.
Of course, things had changed, and Yu Linna could now speak Mandarin freely without fear of judgment.
“Little Linna, where are you going? We’re heading to the hotel. We’ve already booked the rooms. My parents have one, and you and I have the other. Double rooms, of course.”
Huo Ningning, her usual shyness replaced by a newfound assertiveness, found Yu Linna and grabbed her hand, eager to get closer, but Yu Linna gently pulled away, a flicker of disappointment in Huo Ningning’s eyes.
“It would be better not to stay in Hong Kong. It’s so expensive.”
“Don’t worry. My father is much wealthier than before. Spend as much as you like. We don’t mind.”
“No, thank you. I have my own money. I’ll pay for my own shopping. You’re already paying for our accommodation and meals. I don’t want to be a burden.”
“But it’s fine! You didn’t have a good life at our house when you were younger. My parents said if it weren’t for our financial struggles, they would have adopted you.”
Yu Linna, licking her lollipop, ignored her words.
There were no “what ifs” in life; some things were simply destined to be. She and the Huo family were not meant to be, a fact she had accepted. She could never truly be part of their family, so she didn’t dare to hope.
For her, family was a concept she had learned not to crave, a dream she knew would never be fulfilled.
“It’s still early. Let’s go for a walk.”
“Wait for me, Little Linna!”
They walked through the streets of Hong Kong, a sense of nostalgia washing over them, a throwback to their childhood, when Huo Ningning would lead and Yu Linna would follow, their innocent laughter echoing through the streets. Now, after more than a decade, their roles had reversed.
Wu Siyu and her husband had gone off on their own, leaving the two girls to explore. Huo Ningning, afraid of being left behind, stuck close to Yu Linna, their shared exploration of the city’s sights a pleasant experience. Though prices for everyday goods were higher than on the mainland, Apple products were cheaper, a fact Huo Ningning was eager to take advantage of. Her parents had promised her a new phone after the gaokao, and she had her heart set on the latest model, purchasing it with the intention of being reimbursed later.
“New phone?”
“Yes, the iOS system is smoother. My old phone was too slow; I’ve been wanting to replace it for a while. Do you want to buy one, Little Linna? With your current income, a new phone should be no problem.”
“No, thank you. My old one is fine.”
In truth, she was still reluctant to spend the money.
Though wealthy, she couldn’t shake her frugal habits. And with her massive debt, she had to be careful with her spending.
But the street food in Hong Kong was delicious, though a bit pricey. Yu Linna, munching on octopus balls, savored the taste.
“Miss, are you a foreigner?” the stall owner asked, a friendly smile on his face.
Yu Linna finished her octopus ball, swallowing slowly before replying.
“No, I’m from the mainland.”
She repeated her answer in Mandarin.
The stall owner, initially confused by her fluent Cantonese and blonde hair, assuming she was a long-time resident, was surprised to learn she was from the mainland.
“Mainland… I know you mainlanders like… spicy food…”
“You can just speak Cantonese.”
“Thank you.”
His Mandarin was terrible, his accent thick, making it difficult for Yu Linna to understand. It was better for him to speak Cantonese.
It couldn’t be helped; few locals spoke fluent Mandarin. Even celebrities often spoke with a heavy accent, their attempts at Mandarin often resulting in comical mispronunciations.
“Huo Ningning, I’ve had enough. Let’s go back.”
“How about we watch a movie? It’s still early.”
“Whatever.”
There weren’t many good Hong Kong films, Yu Linna’s preference leaning towards Hollywood blockbusters, not out of a lack of support for domestic cinema, but simply a matter of taste.
Before entering the cinema, a news report on the large screen of a nearby building caught her eye, a familiar face appearing on the screen: Director Wang Weifan.
“Director Wang is in Hong Kong to promote his new film, Dream Life. It’s an art house film. Are you returning to your roots, Director?”
Director Wang, accepting the microphone, looked older, his hair graying, wrinkles lining his face, but his eyes were still bright, his spirit undiminished.
“I’ve been thinking a lot lately about whether commercial films are better than art house films. But I’ve realized… I don’t have to choose. I just have to follow my heart.”
He spoke in Mandarin, his films having a strong following in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, though his recent works had been inconsistent.
Despite being known for his art house films, he was an internationally acclaimed director, his most notable achievement an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, a feat few Chinese directors could boast.
Some said he was resting on his laurels, but only he knew the struggles behind his recent lack of success.
“Director Wang, why did you choose to cast newcomers in this film? You used to prioritize working with established actors.”
“Times have changed. It’s too expensive to hire big-name actors now. And I’m getting old. So, I decided to use newcomers. But the actors I chose are very dedicated, very talented…”
Yu Linna crunched on her lollipop, the sweetness spreading across her tongue. This director… he was a good person. She hoped Senior Yumeng would find success under his guidance.
“What are you thinking about? Are you hoping your novel gets adapted into a film?” Huo Ningning asked, leaning in, her tone teasing.
In a way, she wasn’t wrong.
“I hope so, one day,” Yu Linna replied.
Every author dreamed of seeing their work adapted into a film or television series, the ultimate honor. But it was a difficult dream to achieve, one many strived for their entire lives, let alone a newcomer like herself.
“Little Linna, didn’t you want to watch a movie? You’ve been staring at that screen for ten minutes.”
“Right. Let’s go. I want to see Battle Angel.”
“Okay, I’ll buy the tickets.”
Huo Ningning was delighted. This trip was going well; her relationship with Yu Linna was improving. And Yu Linna didn’t seem to mind her company. Her persistence was working!
“Let’s buy a bucket of popcorn and share!” she suggested, even more boldly.
Yu Linna, never one to refuse food, readily agreed, her acceptance sending Huo Ningning into a state of pure bliss.
